Current Events in December 2021

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2021

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    Coronavirus update: FDA is ramping up to handle the Omicron variant

    There’s a sudden surge in demand for vaccinations

    Coronavirus (COVID-19) ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

    Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 48,835,887 (48,706,636)‌

    Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 785,932 (782,201)

    Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 264,462,232 (263,750,379)

    Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 5,238,850 (5,228,635)‌

    FDA reportedly turns its attention to Omicron variant

    With the Omicron variant now confirmed in about a half-dozen states, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is reportedly making plans for dealing with it. The Wall Street Journal reports that the agency is ramping up for a rapid review of any drugs or vaccines developed to counter it.

    Little is known about the new variant, which was identified in South Africa only last week. Scientists aren’t sure how transmissible or severe it is when compared to the Delta variant. Early evidence suggests it causes less severe symptoms.

    The Journal quotes sources who say the FDA wants to be sure that any therapies designed to deal with the variant are safe and effective before giving them a green light. At the same time, the agency wants to be able to act quickly if the data merits approval.

    Pharmacies report a surge in demand for vaccine

    Despite well-publicized “vaccine hesitancy” on the part of millions of Americans, sentiment toward vaccinations may be shifting. Both CVS and Walgreens have reported a recent increase in demand for vaccinations.

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that U.S. providers administered about 1.5 million doses a day for the seven-day period ending Nov. 17. That’s a 12% increase in just one week.

    Some vaccination holdouts may have had a change of heart. At the same time, health officials point out that there has been a recent increase in the number of people who are not only eligible for the vaccination but also a booster shot.

    White House announces free at-home COVID-19 tests

    The Biden administration has announced that the U.S. government will make at-home, rapid COVID-19 tests available to millions of Americans at no cost. Currently, the cost to consumers for these tests can range up to $40.

    “It’s a step toward making these tests more available to individuals, but there could still be barriers,” Lindsey Dawson, an associate director at the Kaiser Family Foundation, told CNBC.

    So, how do you get a free test? First, you have to buy it. The White House says people with private health insurance, including Affordable Care Act policies, can be reimbursed for the purchase. Medicare recipients aren’t eligible.

    Around the nation

    • New York: Gov. Kathy Hochul says health officials have reported at least five cases of the Omicron variant in the New York City metro area. One case was diagnosed in Suffolk County on Long Island, and the other four were registered in New York City.

    • Massachusetts: Schools across the state are battling a surge in coronavirus cases. Education officials report that there were 9,909 coronavirus cases among students and staff in schools over the last two weeks. The percentage of students who tested positive was 0.93%, while 1.0% of staff tested positive.

    • Missouri: Gov. Mike Parson has denied claims that his office tried to suppress a study showing that wearing a mask in public spaces is an effective means to reduce COVID-19 cases. Parson said the information in question was posted on the state’s COVID-19 dashboard months ago and is readily accessible.

    • New Mexico: Health officials are trying to understand why coronavirus cases are increasing. They note that 73% of people 18 and older are fully vaccinated and 83.2% have had at least one dose. But the state has recently reported 1,337 new cases, 13 more deaths, and an ongoing rise in hospitalizations.

    • Louisiana: Parents in Louisiana have been slow to vaccinate their children. Even though kids between the ages of five and 11 are eligible, state health department records show that only 3% of that age group have been vaccinated. The state also ranks near the bottom for vaccinations of teens and adults.

    Coronavirus (COVID-19) ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirme...

    House and Senate vote to avert government shutdown until February

    The move will keep jobs and services from being put on hold

    Americans who count on Social Security and SSI checks, U.S. Postal Service deliveries, or VA medical facilities and clinics can feel safe going into the weekend. Late Thursday, both the House and Senate voted to fund the government until February, avoiding the threat of a shutdown that would bring those services to a standstill.

    The bill was in danger up until the last minute, as a group of Republican senators threatened to stall its passage unless language was added in that blocked the use of federal money to carry out President Biden’s mandate on workplace vaccinations. Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS) said that one consequence of the president's order could be a loss of jobs. However, that amendment failed to pass.

    "This is about jobs in Kansas. It's about jobs in Texas, in Utah, across the nation. An unconstitutional federal vaccine mandate's going to lead to an economic shutdown, jobs lost back home,” Marshall told reporters prior to the vote being taken.

    Going into Thursday’s eleventh-hour dare, President Biden was confident that everything would stay as it was. 

    “I spoke with Mitch McConnell. I spoke with Schumer. There is a plan in place, unless somebody decides to be totally erratic. And I don’t think that will happen, so I don’t think there will be a shutdown,” Biden said during a press conference addressing the Omicron COVID-19 variant.

    If a government shutdown occurs, who’ll be impacted?

    If the federal government ever finds itself in a shutdown, as it did for 35 days in 2018 when Donald Trump was president, the effect would be significant and wide-ranging. At risk would be:

    • Hundreds of thousands of federal employees and government contractors who wouldn’t get a paycheck until Congress reaches an agreement on funding;  

    • Government facilities such as consulates in foreign countries, national parks and museums, and IRS offices that would be closed; and

    • Consumers who want a government permit. For example, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives would be closed during a shutdown, so consumers who want to get a gun permit would have to wait until the shutdown is over.

    Fortunately, Medicare and Social Security benefits, as well as employment benefits from individual states, should continue uninterrupted.

    Americans who count on Social Security and SSI checks, U.S. Postal Service deliveries, or VA medical facilities and clinics can feel safe going into the we...

    The economy produced a fewer-than-expected 210,000 jobs in November

    One economist says people looking for work should be able to find it

    On the heels of very strong job growth in October, the Labor Department reports that the economy produced only 210,000 jobs in November, far fewer than most economists expected.

    After businesses reported 546,000 new hires in October, many economists expected the same or even more in the following month. But despite the lower-than-expected number, economist Joel Naroff, president of Naroff Economics, says the numbers also show that the economy is still recovering and growing strongly.  

    “The issues in the labor market are likely more the result of a lack of workers than a slowdown in hiring,” Naroff told ConsumerAffairs. “Thus, seasonal hiring in the retail and hospitality sectors were less than expected. That should not have been a real surprise. In addition, health care and education were soft. This is a part of the economy where skilled workers are in extreme short supply, which appears to be limiting hiring.”

    Naroff focuses on the unemployment rate. In November, it dropped sharply to 4.2%. He says that dip shows that people looking for work are finding it.  

    “The jobs numbers bounce around, but the expectation of 500,000 new people on the payrolls was and remains unrealistic given the lack of labor,” Naroff said. “Numbers in the 200,000 to 300,000 range seem to be more reasonable.”

    Fewer people are out of work

    The report shows that the number of unemployed persons didn’t increase last month. In fact, they fell by 542,000, to 6.9 million. In February 2020, just before the pandemic, the unemployment rate was 3.5%, with 5.7 million people out of work.

    People looking for jobs in business and professional services last month had the best chance of being hired. That sector added 90,000 jobs in November. 

    With supply chain bottlenecks, the transportation and warehousing sector was busy, hiring 50,000 people last month. Demand for truck drivers remains greater than the number of people applying for those jobs.

    On the flip side, retailers reduced their hiring, perhaps because they staffed up in September and October ahead of the holidays. The retail sector lost 20,000 jobs last month.

    People who did get jobs last month earned slightly more money. Average hourly incomes in November increased by eight cents to $31.03. Over the past 12 months, average hourly earnings have increased by 4.8 percent. 

    On the heels of very strong job growth in October, the Labor Department reports that the economy produced only 210,000 jobs in November, far fewer than mos...

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      Anger and physical exertion may act as triggers for a stroke in some consumers, study finds

      Researchers highlighted the importance of following a healthy lifestyle

      A new study conducted by researchers from the National University of Ireland Galway identified two factors that may trigger a stroke: extreme physical exertion or strong feelings of anger or emotional upset. 

      Researcher Andrew Smyth points out that medical professionals are continuously trying to figure out how to better predict when strokes will occur and that his team’s work may be able to provide a helpful, new perspective.

      “Many studies have focused on medium to long-term exposures, such as hypertension, obesity, or smoking. Our study aimed to look at acute exposures that may act as triggers,” Smyth said.

      Knowing the risks

      For the study, the researchers analyzed data from the INTERSTROKE study, which includes information on more than 13,000 cases of strokes from 32 countries. The team was most interested in revealing patterns among stroke patients to better understand some of the factors that trigger the condition. The study focused on patients who had ischemic strokes and intracerebral hemorrhages. 

      To understand if one of the risk factors led to a stroke, it had to occur within one hour of when the patient started experiencing stroke symptoms. The researchers compared that information with how the patient responded at the same time the day prior to the stroke. 

      The team identified episodes of anger or emotional upset and heavy physical exertion as two triggers that may incite a stroke. One in 11 patients experienced emotional disturbances prior to their stroke, and one in 20 had engaged in serious physical activity. 

      “We looked at two separate triggers,” Smyth said. “Our research found that anger or emotional upset was linked to an approximately 30% increase in risk of stroke during one hour after an episode – with a greater increase if the patient did not have a history of depression. The odds were also greater for those with a lower level of education. 

      “We also found that heavy physical exertion was linked to an approximately 60% increase in risk of intracerebral hemorrhage during the one-hour after the episode of heavy exertion,” he added. “There was a greater increase for women and less risk for those with a normal BMI. The study also concluded that there was no increase with exposure to both triggers of anger and heavy physical exertion.” 

      Following a healthy lifestyle

      While knowing these triggers may help consumers lower their risk of having a stroke, the researchers emphasized that following a healthy lifestyle is critical for long-term health outcomes. 

      “Some of the best ways to prevent a stroke are to maintain a healthy lifestyle, treat high blood pressure, and not to smoke, but our research also shows other events such as an episode of anger or upset or a period of heavy physical exertion independently increase the short-term risk,” said researcher Martin O’Donnell. “We would emphasize that a brief episode of heavy physical exertion is different to getting regular physical activity, which reduces the long-term risk of stroke.” 

      A new study conducted by researchers from the National University of Ireland Galway identified two factors that may trigger a stroke: extreme physical exer...

      Finally! Gas prices dip as oil prices fall

      Despite the drop, fuel prices remain near their highs of the year

      Just in time for the holidays, motorists are getting a slight break at the gas pump. As oil prices plunged this week, the price of gasoline began to go down.

      AAA reports that the national average price of regular gas is $3.37 a gallon, two cents lower than last Friday. The average price of premium gas is $4.00, two cents less than last week. The average price of diesel fuel is also two cents less than last week, at $3.62 a gallon.

      Oil prices began falling late last week when news broke about the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus. The market feared that the new variant would slow economic growth, something at this point that is far from certain.

      “It’s too soon to tell if fears of a global economic slowdown caused by the Omicron variant will push oil prices lower for the long term,” said AAA spokesperson Andrew Gross. “But for now, the upward pricing pressure due to tightened supply and high demand seems to have abated, and that will likely result in pump prices stabilizing.”

      While the national average drifted only slightly lower during the week, motorists in a handful of states enjoyed sharper declines. The statewide average fell six cents a gallon in Missouri and is four cents lower in Utah, Texas, and Kansas. Meanwhile, the statewide average rose four cents a gallon in Arizona, where prices have risen 25 cents a gallon over the last four weeks.

      States with the most expensive gas

      These states currently have the highest prices for regular gas, according to AAA:

      • California ($4.70)   

      • Hawaii ($4.36)  

      • Nevada ($3.95) 

      • Washington ($3.87) 

      • Oregon ($3.79) 

      • Arizona ($3.79)      

      • Alaska ($3.72) 

      • Idaho ($3.67)

      • Utah ($3.65)      

      • Pennsylvania ($3.58)

      States with the cheapest gas

      AAA reports that these states currently have the lowest prices for regular gas:

      • Oklahoma ($2.96) 

      • Texas ($2.97)  

      • Arkansas ($3.00)  

      • Missouri ($3.01)  

      •  Kansas ($3.02) 

      • Mississippi ($3.03)

      • Kentucky ($3.06)

      •  South Carolina ($3.08)  

      • Wisconsin ($3.09)

      • Tennessee ($3.09)

      Just in time for the holidays, motorists are getting a slight break at the gas pump. As oil prices plunged this week, the price of gasoline began to go dow...

      Honda recalls Passports, Pilots and Ridgelines

      The hood may open while the vehicle is being driven

      American Honda Motor Co. is recalling 724,826 model year 2019 Passports, model year 2016-2019 Pilots, and model year 2017-2020 Ridgelines.

      The hood latch striker may become damaged and separate from the hood, which can result in the hood opening while the vehicle is being driven.

      A hood that opens while the vehicle is being driven can obstruct the driver's view and increase the risk of a crash.

      What to do

      Dealers will either repair the hood latch striker or replace the hood -- if necessary -- free of charge.

      Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on January 17, 2022.

      Owners may contact Honda customer service at (888) 234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is PBV.

      American Honda Motor Co. is recalling 724,826 model year 2019 Passports, model year 2016-2019 Pilots, and model year 2017-2020 Ridgelines.The hood latc...

      Volkswagen recalls model year 2022 Tiguans

      Brake fluid may leak, extending the distance required to stop

      Volkswagen Group of America is recalling 1,285 model year 2022 Tiguans.

      The nut that secures the brake pipe near the right-front wheel well may be loose.

      A loose brake pipe nut may allow brake fluid to leak, extending the distance required to stop and increasing the risk of a crash.

      What to do

      Dealers will inspect and tighten the brake pipe nut -- as necessary -- free of charge.

      Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on December 31, 2021.

      Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at (800) 893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 19Q4.

      Volkswagen Group of America is recalling 1,285 model year 2022 Tiguans.The nut that secures the brake pipe near the right-front wheel well may be loose...

      Biden rolls out plan to protect Americans against the Omicron variant

      Part of the plan includes a return to masking up on airlines and public transportation

      Determined to keep the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in check, President Biden has announced new actions to combat the coronavirus as the U.S. 

      With the lessons the country has learned over the past year and the strides made in vaccines, Biden said he is confident about his plans. However, he says Americans need to remain vigilant.

      “The United States has come far in its fight against the virus and is more prepared than ever to deal with the challenges of COVID-19. We have the public health tools we need to continue to fight this virus without shutting down our schools and businesses,” Biden said in a statement. 

      “As we head into winter, today, the President will announce actions to provide additional protection to Americans and fight the Omicron and Delta variants, while keeping our economy growing.”

      What Biden’s plan calls for

      Biden’s plan contains nine essentials that his team says will keep the Omicron variant at bay. They include:

      • Boosters for all adults. The White House said the Biden administration will build on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) updated guidance recommending that every adult get a booster. As a sneak preview of what Americans can expect, the White House said the new steps will “ensure that the nearly 100 million eligible Americans who have not yet gotten their booster shot, get one as soon as possible.”

      • Vaccinations to protect our kids and keep our schools open. With 99% of schools across the country fully open and holding in-person classes, Biden wants to get that part of his agenda over the finish line as soon as possible. To keep those schools open and get more kids aged 5 and older vaccinated, hundreds of family vaccination clinics will be launched to get the whole family vaccinated or boosted in a single “trusted and convenient” location. 

      • Expanding free at-home testing for Americans. Biden wants to ensure that Americans have greater access to at-home testing. For those who aren’t covered by private health insurance, arrangements are being made to distribute free at-home tests at 20,000 sites around the country. 

      • Stronger public health protocols for safe international travel. Travelers who enjoyed the recent lifting of international travel requirements should feel lucky because two things are about to be reversed. Beginning early next week, the U.S. will tighten pre-departure testing protocols by requiring inbound international travelers to test within one day of departure, regardless of nationality or vaccination status. Secondly, everyone will have to mask up during international or other public travel – as well as in transportation hubs such as airports or indoor bus terminals. Those rules are scheduled to last through at least March 18. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is also adding a bit of a punch to those who don’t follow that rule. The agency plans to double fines for noncompliance from a minimum of $500. Repeat offenders could face fines of up to $3,000.

      • Protections in workplaces to keep our economy open. The President is not laying down any new mandates, but he is calling on businesses to continue to move forward expeditiously on requiring workers to get vaccinated or tested weekly. 

      • Rapid response teams to help battle rising cases. If pandemic conditions start to turn ugly because of the Omicron variant, the White House said it’s prepared to deploy additional COVID-19 Surge Response Teams to address critical needs on the ground. Those plans include allowances for more personnel, therapeutics, and technical expertise. 

      • Supplying treatment pills to help prevent hospitalizations and death. The President is ensuring that if and when any new COVID-19 treatment pills have been found to meet the FDA’s scientific standards, they will be made equitably accessible to all Americans, regardless of their income or where they live.

      • Continued commitment to global vaccination efforts. To help other countries out, the U.S. will be donating 1.2 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses. The Biden administration is also pledging to deliver 200 million more doses in the next 100 days: 

      • Steps to ensure we are prepared for all scenarios. Lastly, because the full effects of what the Omicron variant can do are still emerging, Biden said he will use every available source necessary to keep it from spinning out of control. To that end, he said his administration is working closely with executives at Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson to develop contingency plans for other vaccinations or boosters.

      Determined to keep the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in check, President Biden has announced new actions to combat the coronavirus as the U.S. With the l...

      Dollar General to expand pOpshelf stores following successful trial

      The stores are focused on suburban and wealthier shoppers

      As we head into 2022, the “dollar store” concept is getting completely reframed. First, Dollar Tree announced that it’s raising most of its prices to $1.50 per item. Now, Dollar General says that after more than 30 successful tests, it’s going all-in on its “pOpshelf” stores, which are designed for younger, affluent shoppers and those living in the suburbs.

      The first official pOpshelf store will be built in San Antonio and McKinney, Texas in early 2022. The physical store footprint will continue to grow from there until 1,000 locations are in place, hopefully by 2025. All those stores mean new jobs, too. Each pOpshelf store is expected to create as many as 15 new jobs. 

      “Throughout pOpshelf’s first year, we’ve been very pleased by the customer demand for the concept’s on-trend merchandise, price points and shopping experience,” said Emily Taylor, Dollar General’s executive vice president and chief merchandising officer. 

      “pOpshelf is an integral part of Dollar General’s innovative and long-term strategy as we continuously look for ways to best serve customers and diversify the relevant goods we offer. We’re thrilled to announce our expansion plans today and look forward to bringing this differentiated shopping experience to additional communities in the coming years.”

      Nothing but blue skies for Dollar General

      Things are pretty rosy at Dollar General. Earlier this year, the company said it’s still on track to open 1,050 new stores, remodel 1,750 more, and relocate 100 stores. 

      Household and pet care items bring in the largest chunk of revenue, but the health and beauty segment is a valuable piece of the pie for Dollar General. Those categories generate net sales of around $8.6 billion this year, which puts the chain in a prime position to pick up some of the slack if CVS’ plan to shutter 900 of its stores becomes a reality. 

      In fact, Dollar General’s move towards the pharmacy space has already started to pick up speed. The company recently partnered with GeniusRx to offer affordable medications from a U.S.-based pharmacy.

      As we head into 2022, the “dollar store” concept is getting completely reframed. First, Dollar Tree announced that it’s raising most of its prices to $1.50...

      First-time homebuyers may continue to face challenges in 2022

      Entry-level homes will continue to be hard to find

      Prospective buyers who were unable to buy homes in 2021 may have a slightly better chance in the coming year, but they will still face a competitive market. Realtor.com’s 2022 Housing Forecast predicts that listing prices will continue to rise, along with mortgage rates.

      First-time buyers are likely to face the stiffest challenge because demand from this market segment will exceed the slight recovery in the inventory of affordable homes. Surveys suggest that more homeowners will list their homes in the first half of the year, but homebuilders aren’t expected to keep pace with the demand.

      Realtor.com Chief Economist Danielle Hale says she expects single-family housing starts will increase 5% in 2022, but that may not help buyers looking for lower-priced, entry-level housing. She says some builders in some markets have been able to target this market, but it remains a challenge.

      “The key challenges facing builders trying to serve entry-level homebuyers and others looking for lower-priced housing are their own cost pressures,” Hale told ConsumerAffairs. “Prices are high and in some cases still rising for land, lumber, and other inputs to building a home. On top of this as the jobs market improves, builders continue to face challenges hiring the right workers with the right skills to complete homes.”

      More sellers in 2022

      Realtor.com data suggests that more homeowners plan to sell in the coming year, which should improve inventory levels. At the same time, buyers should be prepared to pay more -- usually more than the list price -- in the nation’s most competitive markets.

      “One bright spot for entry-level buyers is that even if they aren't buying new homes themselves because of the price premium, the improvement in construction will contribute to an overall lift in homes available for sale, and that will mean better options than buyers likely faced in 2021, even as the housing market remains competitive,” Hale said.

      Realtor.com expects 2022 home sales will increase more than 5%, hitting their highest level in 16 years as buyers remain active and inventory begins to recover from recent steep declines. Just as in 2021, next year’s buyers should be prepared to act quickly, as desirable properties won’t stay on the market for very long.

      Workplace dynamics may turn out to be the wild card in the 2022 housing market. If remote work becomes more permanent in more industries, affordable housing markets may see an influx of new residents, many of whom will be earning high salaries.

      That trend started in 2020 with the beginning of the pandemic, and it has bolstered housing markets in the South and Midwest. If the trend continues in 2022, it could make some affordable markets less affordable in the coming months.

      Prospective buyers who were unable to buy homes in 2021 may have a slightly better chance in the coming year, but they will still face a competitive market...

      Capital One to completely eliminate overdraft fees

      It’s the first big national bank to take that step

      Capital One has become the first major national bank to announce the end of overdraft fees for its customers. The change will apply to all of the bank’s financial products.

      “The bank account is a cornerstone of a person’s financial life,“ said Richard Fairbank, Capital One’s founder and CEO. “It is how people receive their paycheck, pay their bills, and manage their finances.”

      Bank customers’ complaints about overdraft fees led to changes in banking regulations more than a decade ago. When customers overdrew their accounts, banks honored the purchase but assessed a $30 fee for each transaction.

      Under current rules, customers must “opt in” for overdraft protection. Otherwise, a debit card transaction with insufficient funds is denied and there is no fee involved. “Bounced” checks, however, still result in a fee.

      As part of Capital One’s changes, it is removing overdraft fees from its overdraft protection. Customers that overdraw their accounts with a debit card purchase won’t be charged a fee, and the bank will honor the purchase. However, to avoid the fee, customers must apply for the bank’s overdraft protection.

      “Overdraft protection is a valuable and convenient feature and can be an important safety net for families,” Fairbank said. “We are excited to offer this service for free.”

      Customer-pleasing move

      In August, PayPal announced that it was ending late fees on buy now, pay later purchases. It cited research showing that a third of consumers believe having no late fees is an important feature in choosing a buy now, pay later payment option.

      Capital One may be adopting the “no-fee” status as a way to please customers like Robert of San Clemente, Calif., who is already pretty happy with the bank.

      “The Capital One online and app systems are comprehensive and easy to navigate,” Robert wrote in a ConsumerAffairs review. “Checking, savings, and credit card accounts are all right at your fingertips and easily viewed either comprehensively or individually for more detailed info.”

      Under Capital One’s new system, customers can choose whether or not to access overdraft protection. All customers currently enrolled in overdraft protection will be automatically converted to No-Fee Overdraft on the launch date in early 2022.

      "Capital One’s complete elimination of overdraft and NSF fees is a landmark moment for American families," said Lauren Saunders, associate director of the National Consumer Law Center. "This move by Capital One will have tremendous benefits for the most vulnerable consumers. It’s critical we keep working to make the banking system more inclusive and fair for all.”

      Capital One has become the first major national bank to announce the end of overdraft fees for its customers. The change will apply to all of the bank’s fi...

      Plastic may increase the risk of high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease, study finds

      There are both health and environmental concerns linked with plastic use

      Single-use plastic items are convenient in consumers’ day-to-day lives, but the remnants they leave behind can be harmful to both the environment and people’s health. Now, a new study conducted by researchers from the University of California at Riverside found that exposure to dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP), a chemical used in plastics, may increase consumers’ risk of developing high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease. 

      “To our knowledge, our study is the first to show the effects of DCHP exposure on high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease risk in mouse models,” said researcher Changcheng Zhou. “Our results provide insights and new understandings of the impact of plastic-associated chemicals on high cholesterol – or dyslipidemia – and cardiovascular disease risk.” 

      Plastic may come with health risks

      The researchers conducted their study on mice to get a better idea of how exposure to chemicals used in plastics can be harmful to consumers’ health. They explored specifically how DCHP affected the mice’s pregnane X receptor (PXR), which is responsible in the body for sensing toxic substances. 

      Ultimately, the study showed that exposure to DCHP was linked to health risks for the mice. The researchers learned that higher exposure to the chemical increased the mice’s plasma cholesterol levels. 

      “We found dicyclohexyl phthalate, or DCHP, strongly binds to a receptor called pregnane X receptor, or PXR,” said Zhou. “DCHP ‘turns on’ PXR in the gut, including the expression of key proteins required for cholesterol absorption and transport. Our experiments show that DCHP elicits high cholesterol by targeting intestinal PXR signaling.” 

      The researchers also found that when PXR is compromised in this way, it can be detrimental to heart health. The study showed that the mice were more likely to have higher traces of fatty molecules called ceramides in their intestines as a result of both DCHP exposure and PXR activation. When these ceramides are present, it increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. 

      “This, too, points to the potentially important role of PXR in contributing to the harmful effects of plastic-associated chemicals on cardiovascular health in humans,” said Zhou. 

      While more work needs to be done to better understand the full scope of how DCHP can impact consumers’ health, the researchers hope these findings highlight some of the risks associated with plastics. 

      Single-use plastic items are convenient in consumers’ day-to-day lives, but the remnants they leave behind can be harmful to both the environment and peopl...

      Mothers' depression may increase mental health risks in children, study finds

      Experts are worried about children developing anxiety and depression

      Parents who struggle with maintaining their mental health have a higher chance of having children that face the same problems. That’s one of the takeaways from a new study conducted by researchers from the University of Texas Health Science Center. 

      The team found that mothers who struggle with depression have a higher chance of raising children who develop their own mental health issues.  

      “By focusing on mother-child duos, we identified that maternal depression at an earlier time point predicted child anxiety and depressive symptoms at a later time point,” said researcher Daphne Hernandez, Ph.D. “Further, children who experienced anxiety and depressive symptoms at an earlier time point were more likely to have mothers who experienced depression at later time points.” 

      Children and parents share mental health struggles

      The researchers analyzed data from over 1,400 mother-child duos enrolled in the Fragile Families and Child Well-being Study. Over the course of 10 years, the researchers checked in on the participants’ mental health three times and explored how the two were related. 

      The researchers learned that mothers’ mental health is closely linked with their children’s mental health. When mothers experienced depression-related symptoms, their children were more likely to also struggle with their own mental health at any of the check-in points during the study. The opposite was also true – when children were dealing with anxiety or depression symptoms, their parents were more likely to experience similar symptoms. 

      The researchers explained that the connection between maternal depression and children’s anxiety and depression is still unclear. However, they believe the stress of being a parent may prevent some mothers from developing warm, meaningful relationships with their children. This may, in turn, make anxiety and depression more likely. 

      With a better understanding of the mother-child mental health relationship, the researchers hope resources and treatments can be tailored to benefit all family members. 

      “A dual intervention, where both mother and child are receiving treatment together, in addition to their separate treatment plans, may be a successful approach for families where mothers and children exhibit symptoms of anxiety and depression,” Dr. Hernandez said. “Most importantly, implementing strategies to lower parental stress is vital.” 

      Parents who struggle with maintaining their mental health have a higher chance of having children that face the same problems. That’s one of the takeaways...

      Nissan recalls model year 2017-2019 Rogue Hybrids

      Damage to the engine harness may cause a stall

      Nissan North America is recalling 5,905 model year 2017-2019 Rogue Hybrids.

      Contact with the Electronic Control Module (ECM) bracket may damage the engine harness, causing a blown fuse.

      A blown fuse may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

      What to do

      Dealers will install a harness protector cover free of charge.

      Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on December 15, 2021.

      Owners may contact Nissan customer service at (800) 867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R21B6.

      Nissan North America is recalling 5,905 model year 2017-2019 Rogue Hybrids.Contact with the Electronic Control Module (ECM) bracket may damage the engi...

      Coronavirus update: Merck pill one step closer to approval

      The U.S. has imposed new travel restrictions on foreign visitors

      Coronavirus (COVID-19) ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

      Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 48,577,181 (48,454,229)‌

      Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 780,443 (778,870)

      Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 263,070,422 (262,416,000)

      Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 5,220,373 (5,211,983)‌

      FDA committee votes to approve Merck pill

      In a close vote, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory committee has recommended that the agency approve the use of Merck’s new COVID-19 treatment pill. 

      The agency will now decide whether to grant emergency use authorization for the drug molnupiravir, which would be the first oral antiviral treatment for COVID-19 that could be taken at home. 

      The earliest clinical study of the drug found that it cuts the risk of hospitalization and death by 50% if taken early on after infection. However, a follow-up analysis of the data found the efficacy was only 30%.

      U.S. imposes restrictions on people entering the country

      The U.S. government has taken steps to try to slow the spread of the Omicron variant to the U.S. Customs officials will soon require that all foreign travelers arriving at U.S. airports produce a negative COVID-19 test performed a day before departure.

      It’s only a slight change from current protocols. Under existing rules, international travelers can show a negative test administered up to three days before departure.

      Several European countries have imposed travel restrictions on flights from Africa, where the variant was first discovered. Over the weekend, Dr. Anthony Fauci, President Biden’s chief health adviser, said it’s very possible that the Omicron variant is already present in the U.S.

      Researchers focus on COVID-19 misinformation ‘triggers’

      As controversy and conspiracy theories about COVID-19 flood social media, health policymakers are looking for ways to combat misinformation that they say is needlessly costing lives. New research suggests that changing the way scientific information is gathered and released could go a long way.

      With heightened public interest in any COVID-19 news, researchers at the University of Sydney say too many studies get released without proper vetting, sometimes leading to confusion and doubt. They point to the production of fraudulent or biased science research, ‘publish or perish’ research culture, inadequate training in research misconduct, problems in the academic publishing system, and lack of public access to high-quality research.

      “To prevent or reduce misinformation, key changes are needed, from within the research community, academic and media publishing systems, and government funding processes,” the authors write.

      Around the nation

      • Connecticut: The number of new infections is climbing across the state despite efforts to slow the spread of the virus. In the last week, infections are up 6%. "The 6% is really the highest we've been in close to a year," said Gov. Ned Lamont. "This, in a state that is the most vaccinated in the country."

      • Ohio: A Cincinnati TV station claims that the state is spending thousands of dollars to keep the number of COVID-19 nursing home deaths secret. “These are the people’s records. They are not ODH’s (Ohio Department of Health) records. They belong to every citizen in the state of Ohio,” said Darren Ford, an attorney for WCPO-TV. 

      • Nevada: The University of Nevada’s head basketball coach, Steve Alford, has tested positive for COVID-19, according to the university’s athletic department. Officials say Alford will be absent from the Wolf Pack’s next three games.

      • North Carolina: State health officials are cautiously optimistic about their fight against the coronavirus, noting that new cases fell nearly 30% to start the week. But they note that the Thanksgiving holiday may have significantly reduced the number of people who got tested and the number of tests that got processed.

      • Montana: The state health department is blaming the Thanksgiving holiday for an uptick in new cases of the virus. The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) reported 601 new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, a reversal of a recent downward trend.

      Coronavirus (COVID-19) ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirme...

      Senators demand changes to consumer laws to prevent counterfeit and harmful products

      Batteries and toys are a major concern

      Now that we’re in December and the holiday shopping season has started to pick up, a group of bipartisan U.S. senators has decided to bear down on the grinches that produce counterfeit products -- the kind that are not only rip-offs of famous brands but are also potentially hazardous to consumers. 

      At a Senate Commerce subcommittee hearing on Tuesday, Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) denounced the growing number of unscrupulous third-party online retailers who bombard social media with ads and posts for the things they sell. She said these ads make it difficult for consumers to tell the difference between an authentic and a counterfeit product.

      “We’re very concerned about what we see happening with some of the infiltration of counterfeit products,” Blackburn said.

      How bad is it? In 2020, the total estimated merchandise value of counterfeited commodity products the U.S. seized due to intellectual property rights infringement for watches and jewelry alone came to $435.25 million.

      Consumer protection laws called into question

      Across the aisle, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) -- who Blackburn has partnered with on issues like Instagram’s effect on teenage girls and Google and Apple app market dominance -- said it’s easy for dishonest sellers to portray themselves as legitimate and skirt regulations. He added that loopholes in consumer protection laws that allow this kind of behavior need to be tied off.

      Specifically, Blumenthal says Section 6B of the Consumer Protection Act needs to be changed. In it, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is banned from publicly sharing information about specific manufacturers until ”reasonable steps” have been taken to certify that information is fair and correct. 

      Blumenthal’s gripe with 6B is that it delays the CPSC from disclosing hazards that put consumers at risk.

      Added concern over counterfeit toys

      Members of the subcommittee and witnesses also sounded the alarm on unsafe products that consumers might give as gifts during the holiday season. Everything from counterfeit toys to malfunctioning decorations were discussed at the hearing.

      “Unfortunately, the burden is on consumers to identify counterfeit, knockoff and mislabeled products — which can be difficult for those who are not familiar with lab testing certification, age warning labels and what the manufacturer’s brand logo looks like,” said Hannah Rhodes, the author of the U.S. PIRG’s recently released 36th annual Trouble in Toyland report.

      Proof can be found in the statistics. The CPSC estimates that emergency rooms treated 198,000 toy-related injuries last year. “The best way to keep a child safe from injury from a toy is to keep an eye on them, look out for any broken toys and to ensure the toys are age appropriate,” Rhodes’ report suggests.

      Parents need to look out for dangerous toys

      Besides counterfeit toys, the U.S. PIRG’s report states that parents should pay attention to these types of toys:

      • Second-hand toys. The group notes that the person getting rid of the toy, as well as the person buying the toy, may not have checked to see if it had been recalled. 

      • Noisy toys. The organization said four of the five toys it tested made so much noise that they could hurt children’s hearing.

      • Toys that could be ingested. As an example, the U.S. PIRG pointed out that Zen Magnets were recalled in August after years of controversy and injuries. However, there are still similar magnets available for sale that also cause problems.

      Now that we’re in December and the holiday shopping season has started to pick up, a group of bipartisan U.S. senators has decided to bear down on the grin...

      Credit card applications are rising, Fed survey finds

      Consumers are seeking credit at the highest rate since before the pandemic

      ​If new credit card applications are any indication, consumers are ready to start spending again. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York reports that Americans are seeking credit at the highest rate since before the pandemic.

      In the Fed’s survey, almost 27% of U.S. consumers said they had applied for a new credit card in the past 12 months. A year ago, the percentage was just 16%.

      People with lower credit scores appeared to be the most active when it came to applying for new credit. At the beginning of the pandemic, this group of consumers was the most likely to have accounts closed or credit limits reduced by their lender.

      With the economy recovering, lenders apparently now have a different view. Application rates for credit card and credit limit increase requests were sharply higher among those with credit scores below 680. 

      The increase follows what appeared to be a robust marketing effort by banks earlier this year. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that banks increased their credit-card marketing spending in the third quarter, flooding mailboxes with new credit offers.

      Read the fine print

      Doug, of Acton, Mass., said he received a promotional offer from TD Bank that contained some fine print. He said the offer specified that applicants had to open a new personal checking account and could not have had a checking account in the previous 12 months.

      “I did not have a personal checking account,” Doug wrote in a ConsumerAffairs review. “I did have a credit card, and apparently for them, credit card equals checking account.”

      Doug said his application was denied, but he isn’t alone. Despite banks’ promotional push, Ryan, of Pearland, Texas, tells us that American Express apparently decided it was better off without his business.

      “They canceled my card, without contacting me,” Ryan wrote in a ConsumerAffairs review. “Unless you owe them money, they will boot you out the door.”

      The Fed’s report suggests that consumers plan to seek increases in all types of credit in the months ahead, and not necessarily because they’re planning a vacation or major purchase. The report found that consumers are feeling less financially secure, with more respondents saying they are less likely to be able to cover a $2,000 emergency expense.

      ​If new credit card applications are any indication, consumers are ready to start spending again. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York reports that America...

      Many hospitals ignore price disclosure rules, study finds

      Some hospitals charge 10 times more than others for scans

      How much does it cost for a standard medical scan? It depends on the hospital, researchers say. 

      A new study by a team of researchers from Johns Hopkins and Michigan State universities, writing in the journal Radiology, found some hospitals charge 10 times more for the same scan than other hospitals. The researchers studied median prices for scans of different areas of the body, including the brain, chest, and stomach. They said the difference in cost from one facility to another was often thousands of dollars.

      The researchers found a CT head scan had the widest variation in price. Hospitals with the lowest prices charged a median of $199 or less. Among the most expensive hospitals, the same brain scan carried a median price of $1,882. 

      “This is very far away from a competitive market,” Ge Bai, a professor of health policy and management at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and an author of the imaging-price study, told the Wall Street Journal.

      New price disclosure rule

      Health economists say these pricing disparities should not exist. Since early January, a new federal rule requires hospitals to publish price information about the services they offer so patients can shop around for the best price. That could save money for health insurance providers while reducing the patient’s out-of-pocket costs.

      “Extending early evidence on hospital compliance with the Hospital Price Transparency rule (2,5), we found that eight months after the rule went into effect, only approximately one-third of U.S. hospitals disclosed their commercial negotiated prices for one of the 13 U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services–specified shoppable radiology services,” the authors wrote.

      The new federal rule requires hospitals to publicly disclose prices for services and prohibits them from trying to hide pricing when it is disclosed. Regulators drafted a provision in the rule that bars hospitals from inserting code into web pages with price information that makes them unlikely to show up in Google searches.

      More than just a financial issue

      Another study suggests that a significantly large and unexpected medical bill can cause more than financial distress. Researchers say it can also be a mental health issue.

      When Centivo recently surveyed employees covered by employer-sponsored health insurance, it asked respondents if they had incurred significant medical expenses in the past two years. More than a quarter -- 27% -- said they had and that it affected their mental health. Sixteen percent said the surprise bill created family hardships.

      "U.S. employers are rightly concerned about the mental health of their workforce during this time of immense societal changes and disruptions caused by the pandemic," said Dr. Wayne Jenkins, chief medical officer at Centivo. 

      Researchers note that costs for both insured employees and employers keep going up. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average premium for family coverage went up 4% this year.

      How much does it cost for a standard medical scan? It depends on the hospital, researchers say. A new study by a team of researchers from Johns Hopkins...